In the film Life As a House, Academy Award-winner Kevin Kline stars as George Monroe, a middle-aged architect who is confronted with life-changing news and seizes the opportunity to begin living on his own terms and reconnect with his family. The cast includes Kristin Scott Thomas, Hayden Christensen, Mary Steenburgen, Jena Malone, Sam Robards, and Jamey Sheridan. Talk to Jena Malone about this and other acting projects.

Jena Malone's other film credits include Stepmom, Donnie Darko and Contact.

Albuquerque, NM :
You were brilliant in "Contact" and "Life as a House." I look forward to seeing you in many more movies.
Were you at all nervous with your somewhat steamy role in "Life as a House?" Your shower scenes and when you kissed Kevin Kline made me think one thing - this character is supposed to be 16!!

Jena Malone:
Personally I wasn' that scared going into the role. I spoke to Hayden and Kevin before doing the role to make sure I'd be comfortable doing what we had to do together. I don't find that what my character was doing wasn't age-appropriate. I believe it's just a matter of pushing boundaries and sexually coming of age.boothwyn, pa :
What was like it working with two huge Hollywood stars such as Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon on the movie Stepmom? Did they offer you alot of advice and tips on acting?

Jena Malone:
It was absolutely amazing. The first time I met both of them was in the elevator on the wway to rehearsals. I was nervous and clumsy around them -- mainly because they've been in the business for so long and have touched so many people. I learned things just by watching them. They warned me about how crazy the business is, and advised me to stay true to myself. I was fortunate to get the chance to work with them.Los Angeles, CA :
What types of roles are you attracted to now that you have left the child acting world behind?

Jena Malone:
Roles where you can be challenged and push your boundaries. I don't look for roles based on age. I look for universal themes where I can strip myself down and throw myself into a character.Torrance, CA :
Jena, how do you choose your roles, script, directors, other actors? Is nudity a problem with you being so young??

Jena Malone:
I've never really done nudity, and at this point I'm not comfortable doing it. When it helps the scene and is used appropriately it can be affecting, but if it's gross and blatant and used for shock value it's boring. I have no plans to be nude in a film for no reason. It's still sort of awkward, I think.Bangor, Maine :
So are you sick to death of being asked about Hayden "Star Wars" Christensen all the time?

Jena Malone:
Hahahaha! No, because I think he's an amazing guy and I'm glad people are interested in him. He's a down-to-earth, really smart and talented kid. As Kevin Kline said, he's the flavor of the millenium.Rochester, NY :
who do you aspire to work with?

Jena Malone:
I just aspire to work with people who are similar minded -- commit themselves to projects, support independent films. There are thousands of directors I'd love to work with.